Oladipo: Not defined by rookie race

Magic guard likely in running with two other players

Magic guard Victor Oladipo was asked if he has been monitoring the Rookie of the Year race and whether the award can be given to a player whose team has been on a long losing streak.

Philadelphia guard Michael Carter-Williams, projected as a Rookie of the Year candidate along with Oladipo and Utah Jazz guard Trey Burke, headed into Thursday night's game at Houston on a 76ers team that had lost 25 consecutive games.

"That's a great question," Oladipo said before practice Thursday. "First off, I watch basketball in general. I watch everybody, them included, along with everybody in the league. I see what people do. I see the numbers and stuff like that.

"As far as the rookie race, I have no control over that. Just like they have no control over that. What we do is go out and there and do whatever it takes to help our team win."

Carter-Williams was leading the way, averaging 16.7 points, 6.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds before facing the Rockets. Burke goes into Friday's game in New Orleans averaging 12.8 points, 5.3 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game.

"If I win it or not, it's not going to determine what type of success I'm going to have in the future," Oladipo said. "I feel like I can be a great player even if I win it or not. That's my goal — to be great. It would be a great award to receive. If I don't get it, that's fine with me."

Nelson close to return?

Coach Jacque Vaughn said that he expected Jameer Nelson to be part of practice on a limited basis Thursday.

"Yes, he's on a monitored practice today," Vaughn said. "We'll see how much he can do."

Nelson has missed four consecutive games with a sore left knee. He underwent an MRI on Tuesday, and said the exam revealed no problems.